Monday, August 13, 2018

5 Free Fabulous End-of-Summer Things To Do in New York City

By Jacquelin Carnegie

In August, many cities around the world empty out and all cultural activities come to a halt. But, during the dog days of summer, New York lives up to its reputation as "The City That Never Sleeps." Cool cultural and fun events never stop! Here's a sampling of not-to-be-missed happenings:

Every August, this festival gives dance lovers a reason to rejoice. Wonderful international dance companies are showcased in the most beautiful setting in New York City! But, even if you know nothing about dance, it's worth checking out this festival as each night a selection of five dance troupes performs giving you the chance to discover that you're really a dance fan after all. Plus, the Statue of Liberty is in the background!

THE MUSIC PLAYS ON

Summer Concert (photo: Cory Weaver/Metropolitan Opera)

All throughout the summer there are wonderful, free outdoor concerts featuring all kinds of music, but this one lasts until September: SummerStage

(www.summerstage.org; Until Sept. 27, 2018) This music fest has expanded beyond Rumsey Playfield in Central Park to 18 parks in all five boroughs. You'll hear cutting-edge music--everything from Indie to Afrobeat, Latin to Soul, Reggae to Fado, etc.--plus you'll see contemporary dance. All performances are free, except for benefit concerts. For jazz fans, there's the Charlie Parker JazzFestival (8/22-26, 2018).

THEATER AL FRESCO

Hudson
Warehouse’s Shakespearein
Riverside Park

In the summertime in New York City, Shakespeare is king! The best-known offering is The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park (until 8/19, 2018) at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, but there are also some very-interesting, lesser-known productions such as Shakespeare in the ParkingLot and Hudson Warehouse’s Shakespeare in RiversidePark. Here's a full list.

CINEMA SOIRÉESHave a drive-in experience without a car! Check out all the lovely outdoor locations to watch movies under the stars in the middle of the city from Coney IslandFlicks to RooftopFilms. Here's a full list.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE CITYGovernors IslandNew York Harbor, www.govisland.comOpen: May–October; Ferry fee, but free on the weekends before noon.

Governors Island

This glorious getaway, just 5 minutes from Manhattan Island by ferry, was for many years a base for the US Army and Coast Guard. But, the Island has been transformed into an artsy recreational area with lots of interesting events. A wonderful way to get away while staying right in the city.